'Russian' law attacks NGOs
28 April 2025
Bullying NGOs is becoming a worrying trend across Europe — but civic society is pushing back. In Slovakia, thousands took to the streets for the 10th time, urging president Peter Pellegrini not to sign the controversial new "Russian" law. Passed by parliament on 16 April, it targets NGOs with foreign funding, forcing them to publish all their donors who contribute €5000 and more.
With this rule, smaller private donors might be scared off by not having the choice of an anonymous donation. Companies, oligarchs, unions, sports associations and the church remain without such requirements. Additionally, many NGOs regularly publish reports of their spending and activities.
Nicknamed the "Russian" law for its resemblance to legislation used to crush civic life in Russia, similar laws have already sparked the attention of the Court of Justice of the EU in Hungary and weakened Georgia's EU accession efforts. Now, the European Commission is keeping a close eye on Slovakia. If they find the law threatens civic freedoms or the rule of law, Slovakia could face hefty fines — not to mention criticism over collecting private donor data.
 | Tamara Kanuchova Meanwhile, Slovak NGOs are fighting with creativity. After a member of the ruling party accused the League for Mental Health of misusing funds, the group rebranded itself as the League Against the Arrogance of the Powerful and easily debunked the claims — simply by showing proof of their real, successful work. |
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